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General Discussion => Throw Down the Gauntlet => Topic started by: wildbeast on April 30, 2018, 09:29:27 AM

Title: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: wildbeast on April 30, 2018, 09:29:27 AM
MAY Roster

Name..........................Goal/lbs.....Goal/inches

@jooniFLORisploo .........2
@Hirondelle .................3
@koshtra ....................................  .08"
@Prairie Gal .................8
@neophyte ...................8
@sisto .........................5
@hoping2retire35 .........10
@Kapiira ......................3
@luciep ........................5
@facepalm ...................8
@frugalkristen ..............4
@alleykat .....................5
@Gilly .........................6
@dougstash .................8
@lizh ..........................4
@cripes7 .....................3
@FrugalYCP .................5
@MaybeBabyMustache ...2
@Serendip ...................3
@Cookie78 ..................4
@Nederstash ...............12
@westtoeast ................5
@SciLearner357 ...........5
@haypug16 .................4
@Better Late ...............2
@ditkanate .................12
@ohsnap ....................4
@Sailor Sam ...............4
@jane x .....................4
@RetiredAt63................4
@ender........................10
@Bicycle_B.................1
@chaskavitch..............3
@CNM...........................3
@BuildingmyFIRE........5


Total Goal ...............174 lbs...........  .08 inches
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on April 30, 2018, 10:11:13 AM
2lbs, please :)
This series is so much fun! Just the right rhythm.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Hirondelle on April 30, 2018, 10:22:01 AM
3 lbs again for me. Made it only to two next month, but my food choices could use lots of facepunches!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on April 30, 2018, 12:02:57 PM
Put me down for 0.8"

Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Prairie Gal on April 30, 2018, 01:04:39 PM
8 pounds for me.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: neophyte on April 30, 2018, 01:22:02 PM
April was basically a wash for me, but I'll chime in with official numbers tomorrow. I feel like I need to set my goal high for May to get myself back in gear.   How about 8 lbs?
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: sisto on April 30, 2018, 01:35:33 PM
I'd like to shoot for losing 5lbs in May. I need to lose about 30, but I need to start somewhere.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: hoping2retire35 on April 30, 2018, 02:56:45 PM
I am going for 10. This should get me really close to my eventual goal.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Kapiira on April 30, 2018, 03:45:47 PM
I'll go for another three this month. 

I would like to give myself a pat on the back.  Someone brought donuts in at work.  I had half a donut.  And I did't go back for the other half :)
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: luciep on April 30, 2018, 03:56:55 PM
5lbs for me!
Thank you!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on April 30, 2018, 03:58:44 PM
I would like to give myself a pat on the back.

May I also give you a pat on the back?
::pat pat pat:: Well done!!!!

Those are some superpowers, to be sure :)
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: neophyte on April 30, 2018, 04:01:47 PM

I would like to give myself a pat on the back.  Someone brought donuts in at work.  I had half a donut.  And I did't go back for the other half :)

Don't worry, it didn't go to waste.  I ate my doughnut and your extra half :(
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on April 30, 2018, 04:05:23 PM
^ LOL!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: facepalm on April 30, 2018, 04:29:14 PM
In. I'll go for 8.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: frugalkristen on April 30, 2018, 07:16:45 PM
I'm in for 4 pounds.  :)
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: alleykat on April 30, 2018, 08:14:44 PM
I am in for 5lbs. 

5/1 - 159
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Gilly on April 30, 2018, 08:37:06 PM
In for 6!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: dougstash on April 30, 2018, 08:38:55 PM
I'm in for 8
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: lizh on April 30, 2018, 09:40:26 PM
I'm in for 4.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: cripes7 on May 01, 2018, 07:38:09 AM
I'm going to say 3, since that's been the last 2 months, but plan for more. Lots of traveling/babysitting grandkids/special events the next 2 months, but I am determined to be down 20 more for my son's wedding.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: FrugalYCP on May 01, 2018, 11:27:34 AM
I'm in for 5
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on May 01, 2018, 02:52:59 PM
My goal is 2 lbs. I have two international business trips, which really screws with my eating, sleep, & workout routine.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Serendip on May 01, 2018, 09:40:30 PM
I am in, aiming for 3lbs :)
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Cookie78 on May 01, 2018, 10:09:51 PM
I'm in for 4
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Nederstash on May 02, 2018, 01:20:30 AM
I'm in for 12 by the end of the month.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: westtoeast on May 02, 2018, 05:37:13 AM
April worked really well for me— I’m down 7-9 depending on what time I step on the scale. Planning to keep doing the same steps, so I’ll aim for 5 down this month. Woo!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: SciLearner357 on May 02, 2018, 05:55:38 AM
5 pounds for me.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on May 02, 2018, 08:57:02 AM
Wednesday weekly averages:

April 25:      162.0 lbs, 36.1"
May 2:        160.7 lbs, 35.8"

Looking for 35.3" this month, and nudging the calories up a little: I don't want to drop very far below 160 lbs. Man, it's weird being this light. I teleport from place to place: there's no lurch and heave between sitting on the couch and standing by the sink. I just float on over.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 02, 2018, 09:01:33 AM
lol, koshtra!!!! And freakin' awesome :))))
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: sisto on May 02, 2018, 11:21:55 AM
Well I'm + .4lbs towards my 5lb goal :( That was despite getting in more exercise than normal and eating a vegan meal for dinner. Hoping the rest of the month goes better.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: haypug16 on May 02, 2018, 02:32:48 PM
I'm in again. I'll post my weigh in shortly (and update the April results too) I'm down for another 4 lbs most likely
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: sisto on May 03, 2018, 01:02:46 PM
Well I'm + .4lbs towards my 5lb goal :( That was despite getting in more exercise than normal and eating a vegan meal for dinner. Hoping the rest of the month goes better.
Happy to report that I'm down 1lb from yesterday which means I now have loss from my starting point. - .6lbs, only 4.4 more to go. :)
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: better late on May 03, 2018, 01:15:39 PM
Please put me down for 2 lbs. slow n steady.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: ditkanate on May 03, 2018, 01:22:46 PM
This morning, weighed in at 212.2 lbs. 

By 5/31, would love to be at or around 200.  Might be a tad aggressive, but we shall see!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: ohsnap on May 03, 2018, 02:06:31 PM
In for 4! 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Sailor Sam on May 03, 2018, 03:07:08 PM
4 more pounds for me.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: wildbeast on May 05, 2018, 09:15:29 AM
Welcome everyone! 

You've all been added to the roster.  If there's any errors please let me know.

Wishing everyone a successful month.  And sending out a big Thank You to the members who have been providing encouragement and support on the challenge.  It's much appreciated.  I've been a bit distracted myself by life stuff so have not been contributing as much but I always enjoy reading the updates and hearing how everyone's doing. 

Can you believe we're almost at the end of week 1?  Where does the time go?!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: RetiredAt63 on May 05, 2018, 09:56:32 AM
I'm in again.  4 pounds (1/week).
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: facepalm on May 05, 2018, 12:50:52 PM
I'm in for 12 by the end of the month.
I like your thinking!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Gilly on May 05, 2018, 01:55:49 PM
Anybody interested in sharing how they intend to achieve their goal?
My goal of 1.5 lbs/week is eating 1725 calories a day, which gives me ~1 lb a week loss and then I plan to ride my bike into work at least 4 days a week (4.8 miles one way) for the other ~.5 lbs.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Sailor Sam on May 05, 2018, 03:55:02 PM
Anybody interested in sharing how they intend to achieve their goal?
My goal of 1.5 lbs/week is eating 1725 calories a day, which gives me ~1 lb a week loss and then I plan to ride my bike into work at least 4 days a week (4.8 miles one way) for the other ~.5 lbs.

I count calories. Currently eating 1400kcal per day, which is ~250 kcal below my sedentary total daily energy expenditure. I've been adding at least another 250 kcal to each day's deficit through exercise.

I just weathered a couple days of intense cravings, which I wasn't very graceful at side stepping. Thus I'm thinking of adding an option for 100-200 kcal just before bedtime. Maybe going to bed hungry is taxing the ol' willpower to exhaustion. Or maybe it's just hormonal fluctuations. Or maybe I'm consistently under counting. In my personal experience, counting calories possesses more black magic than the second law of thermodynamics initially implies.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: ender on May 05, 2018, 04:24:22 PM
Put me in for 10.

I'm doing basically full Keto at this point. i've got plenty to lose and think that 10 is reasonable.... iiiiiiiiiiiiffff I keep to my plan of actually eating keto (and turning down muffins, donuts, cookies, etc).

This morning, weighed in at 212.2 lbs. 

By 5/31, would love to be at or around 200.  Might be a tad aggressive, but we shall see!

Wow, I weighed today at exactly 212.2 and have about the same goal :-)
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 05, 2018, 04:57:03 PM
Just eating a slightly smaller volume of nonoptimal foods. So far so good.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on May 05, 2018, 05:12:41 PM
My method boils down calorie counting, although I seldom count. I eat exactly the same amounts of exactly the same things every day. If at the end of a week I'm not down by a pound, something gets chopped out of the daily menu.

I only need to count if I'm swapping in something new: if I do that, I have to make sure it's calorically equivalent to whatever I'm taking out.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Gilly on May 05, 2018, 11:42:45 PM
Oh wow Sailor Sam I admire your discipline for eating at 1400 calories. That would make me positively murderous. In terms of hormonal fluctuations I tend to just eat 1200 calories of nutritious stuff and then cram my pie hole with whatever type of pie I please. But I suppose when I eat 300 more calories than you do gives me a bit more room to work with.

Ender I like the idea of keto and have experimented with it. It doesn't work for me for "reasons", but it is one of those principles that I keep in mind. Maximizing fats helps with satiation.

Jooniflorisploo I love your approach. It makes sense on every level and is what I strive to do. Alas self discipline needs more structure for me.

And Bravo, koshtra, your results and consistency are quite delightful to see. I don't think I could manage to eat the same thing everyday. But it does intrigue me enough to ask what you have typically? During the work days I usually eat a fruit a vegetable a cheese stick and drink some coffee so I guess that is pretty standard and I know within 50 calories exactly what i am eating every morning.
I love hearing people's approaches. And the fact that different people succeed with different things. It makes this weight loss nonsense much more approachable and achievable.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Bicycle_B on May 06, 2018, 08:01:20 AM
Am I too late to join this thread?  I seek to lose about 1 pound. 

The only "1" that I can see in that OP is followed by another digit.  I am here to add diversity to the list.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Sailor Sam on May 06, 2018, 08:03:16 AM
Oh wow Sailor Sam I admire your discipline for eating at 1400 calories. That would make me positively murderous. In terms of hormonal fluctuations I tend to just eat 1200 calories of nutritious stuff and then cram my pie hole with whatever type of pie I please. But I suppose when I eat 300 more calories than you do gives me a bit more room to work with.

Sadly, I'm only 5'4", and I'm definitely not an athlete. For me, the wiggle room between the recommended 1200 calorie floor, and eating at enough of a deficit to make progress isn't very large. A little bit of a bummer, but eh. If I lose 3.8 more lbs I'll be simply overweight, instead of class 1 obese. So hey! Motivation.

Have you read r/loseit, over on Reddit? It's a good community, and I really enjoy hanging out there.
 


and I have estrogen/progesterone playing merry fuckery with my endrocrine system. Depending on your height, we're probably exercising the same percentage of discipline? Though, I admit there are a few days each month that I'd cheerfully murder you, and snatch those 300 calories right out of the mouths of your children. It's pretty miserable, and unsustainable, and next go-round I'm going to execute a flexible approach.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: ditkanate on May 06, 2018, 10:48:54 AM
Put me in for 10.

I'm doing basically full Keto at this point. i've got plenty to lose and think that 10 is reasonable.... iiiiiiiiiiiiffff I keep to my plan of actually eating keto (and turning down muffins, donuts, cookies, etc).

This morning, weighed in at 212.2 lbs. 

By 5/31, would love to be at or around 200.  Might be a tad aggressive, but we shall see!

Wow, I weighed today at exactly 212.2 and have about the same goal :-)

Nice!  I'm doing keto/low carb also.  Had a cheat meal yesterday after a successful week.  Currently looking at 211.6 (post cheat).  Hopefully drop a few pounds this week. 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Gilly on May 06, 2018, 07:39:12 PM
Being 5'10" certainly has it's advantages in the calorie allotment.
I've never checked out r/loseit. I the forums on my fitness pal scared me off of general internet for weight loss, but I might check it out.

And hurray for being so close to such a significant goal!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on May 06, 2018, 08:11:04 PM
And Bravo, koshtra, your results and consistency are quite delightful to see. I don't think I could manage to eat the same thing everyday. But it does intrigue me enough to ask what you have typically? During the work days I usually eat a fruit a vegetable a cheese stick and drink some coffee so I guess that is pretty standard and I know within 50 calories exactly what i am eating every morning.

Thanks Gilly! Sure. Nowadays it goes like this--

Breakfast: steel cut oats, a pint bowl of broccoli, three eggs, an apple

Lunch: a pint bowl of soup (this does vary. I make a big pot of something every four or five days -- chicken soup, or beef stew, or chili), a banana, 1/4 cup almonds

Dinner: three or four potatoes, 1/4 lb hamburger, 1/2 cup of ice cream, a big romaine salad when I remember it, and a little orange (clementine or mandarin.)

Often the apple is really a snack between breakfast & lunch, and often the banana & almonds are a snack between lunch & dinner, and often the orange is a snack before bed.

When I began, breakfast was a Spanish omelet with sour cream and hash browns and buttered toast and coffee with lots of cream at the local diner, and dinner was a cheeseburger and half a milkshake from Burgerville. I guess it's morphed a bit over time :-) I've lost a pound a week since last May. Started at 222 and now at 160.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 06, 2018, 10:29:48 PM
I've lost a pound a week since last May. Started at 222 and now at 160.

Love!!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Hirondelle on May 06, 2018, 11:36:11 PM
I've lost a pound a week since last May. Started at 222 and now at 160.

Love!!

Wow! That's SO impressive.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: ohsnap on May 07, 2018, 08:53:05 AM
Help me get through May! I am so bored with my eating plan.  It looks the same almost every day, week after week:
Breakfast: yogurt with granola and fruit, or a veggie omelet and fruit salad
Lunch: a massive salad - themed either greek, asian, or mexican
Dinner: veggie or shrimp tacos, or whole-wheat spaghetti w/vegetarian meatballs, or a tofu & veggie stir-fry
Snack: whole-wheat crackers w/hummus, or apple w/nut butter, or yogurt if I didn't have it at breakfast.

I'm really encouraged that I'm losing weight, so I'm motivated to stick with it, but I need some ideas that will keep me from a big cheat.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Sailor Sam on May 07, 2018, 09:21:07 AM
Help me get through May! I am so bored with my eating plan.  It looks the same almost every day, week after week:
Breakfast: yogurt with granola and fruit, or a veggie omelet and fruit salad
Lunch: a massive salad - themed either greek, asian, or mexican
Dinner: veggie or shrimp tacos, or whole-wheat spaghetti w/vegetarian meatballs, or a tofu & veggie stir-fry
Snack: whole-wheat crackers w/hummus, or apple w/nut butter, or yogurt if I didn't have it at breakfast.

I'm really encouraged that I'm losing weight, so I'm motivated to stick with it, but I need some ideas that will keep me from a big cheat.

Can you identify what, specifically, you're bored without? Are you missing salty, or crunchy, or sweet, or spicy? Pinning that down, and adjusting accordingly could help alleviate boredom.

If you can't identify any specific flavor or sensation, perhaps you're experiencing brain hunger? My lizard brain spends a lot (like, a lot) of time trying to get me to shove food into my mouth hole because it's bored and also an asshole. I've recently started using tapping, and preliminary results are good. I don't believe that it's realigning my bodily energy, but it does help break the cycle of compulsion towards food and rededicate my higher brain towards long-term goals.

Finally, check your macros. Your struggles might result from a true lack in one of the macros. Also check sodium, since a drop can trigger pretty good cravings for salty food.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: wildbeast on May 07, 2018, 09:38:18 AM
Welcome to the new peeps - you've been added to the roster!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: chaskavitch on May 07, 2018, 09:53:47 AM
Can I join too?  I joined the 2018 weight loss challenge, but... that's apparently too long of a commitment for me, which is silly.

I'll say 3 lbs? 

I'd prefer 5, because it would put me solidly down to the next 10s category, but I don't have THAT much to lose.  I'm also picking up my gym membership again for Mother's day, which might actually slow down my loss a little at first.  If I lift regularly, I change shape, but it's harder to lose lbs because I retain water more and gain a little bit of muscle.

I think my plan right now is to batch cook my breakfasts and stop eating sweets.  I've been doing kind-of gluten free for almost a month, and tracking my food.  My triggers are mostly starchy breads and cookies and eating the kid's leftover goldfish, but since I've been avoiding those for so long, it'll be easier than it used to be to cut out more starch.  My breakfast now is overnight oats with chocolate protein powder, banana, greek yogurt, coconut milk, and berries.  Pretty healthy overall, lots of nutrients, but it starts my day off with a sweet "treat" that leaves me wanting more.  I'm going to make myself some egg cups with veggies and avocado and see if that helps my cravings.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: ohsnap on May 07, 2018, 11:25:37 AM
Help me get through May! I am so bored with my eating plan.  It looks the same almost every day, week after week:
Breakfast: yogurt with granola and fruit, or a veggie omelet and fruit salad
Lunch: a massive salad - themed either greek, asian, or mexican
Dinner: veggie or shrimp tacos, or whole-wheat spaghetti w/vegetarian meatballs, or a tofu & veggie stir-fry
Snack: whole-wheat crackers w/hummus, or apple w/nut butter, or yogurt if I didn't have it at breakfast.

I'm really encouraged that I'm losing weight, so I'm motivated to stick with it, but I need some ideas that will keep me from a big cheat.

Can you identify what, specifically, you're bored without? Are you missing salty, or crunchy, or sweet, or spicy? Pinning that down, and adjusting accordingly could help alleviate boredom.

If you can't identify any specific flavor or sensation, perhaps you're experiencing brain hunger? My lizard brain spends a lot (like, a lot) of time trying to get me to shove food into my mouth hole because it's bored and also an asshole. I've recently started using tapping, and preliminary results are good. I don't believe that it's realigning my bodily energy, but it does help break the cycle of compulsion towards food and rededicate my higher brain towards long-term goals.

Finally, check your macros. Your struggles might result from a true lack in one of the macros. Also check sodium, since a drop can trigger pretty good cravings for salty food.
Thanks for the reply.  The boredom is because it's just the same thing, day in and day out...so many salads and stir fries!!  (and I truly enjoy vegetables...but I've never had so many before).  I am not really craving sweets or salts or any other "cheats".  But yesterday I watched my husband and son eat turkey sandwiches and thought, "Dang I want a turkey sandwich."  You know what - I should have just had one! A turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread would not have killed my diet yesterday.  I think I just decided what to have for lunch today!  I'll just skip the cheese, and mash up some avocado instead of spreading mayo on the bread.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Anette on May 07, 2018, 03:03:02 PM
Didn't reach my loosing 7 pounds in April goal ( lost 3), did manage to go for at least three 40 min walks in the woods/week and that felt good. Will continue to go walking and try 4 pounds this  month.

I feel like I need to find a reward ( I know: feeling better, fitting in my clothes, being healthier... should feel like a great reward)

Like I am sitting on my couch thinking of all these very good reasons to loose the weight while I am eating ice cream... I am having a real hard time with self discipline.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: neophyte on May 07, 2018, 04:06:27 PM
I’m also struggling with discipline. I’m up 1.5 lb from the beginning of the month. Yesterday I sat down and ran an estimate on what would actually be required for me to see an 8 lb loss by the end of the month (from current, not from starting).  It boils down to eating 1200 calories, walking about 6 miles (my commute plus 2, 1-mile walks with the dog) and 100 calories of bodyweight exercises daily. 

Doable? Yes. That’s pretty much what I did a few years ago when I successfully lost weight, but right now? I don’t know if I have it in me.  1200 calories takes hella discipline and the dog is still working on leash manners so walking a mile is taking us about an hour at this point.

It’s my roommate’s birthday today. We’re gonna do a side-by-side comparison of two brownie recipes. I have 150 calories left for the day and haven’t had dinner yet, wish me luck.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 07, 2018, 04:21:51 PM
Yesterday I sat down and ran an estimate on what would actually be required for me to see an 8 lb loss by the end of the month (from current, not from starting).  It boils down to eating 1200 calories, walking about 6 miles (my commute plus 2, 1-mile walks with the dog) and 100 calories of bodyweight exercises daily. 

Doable? Yes. That’s pretty much what I did a few years ago when I successfully lost weight, but right now? I don’t know if I have it in me.  1200 calories takes hella discipline and the dog is still working on leash manners so walking a mile is taking us about an hour at this point.

How about changing the goal to 2lbs? Then it's more flexible, thus doable, and you're still moving in the optimal direction (vs potentially giving up, self-starving toward the end of month, etc)?
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: alleykat on May 07, 2018, 04:34:56 PM
Didn't reach my loosing 7 pounds in April goal ( lost 3), did manage to go for at least three 40 min walks in the woods/week and that felt good. Will continue to go walking and try 4 pounds this  month.

I feel like I need to find a reward ( I know: feeling better, fitting in my clothes, being healthier... should feel like a great reward)

Like I am sitting on my couch thinking of all these very good reasons to loose the weight while I am eating ice cream... I am having a real hard time with self discipline.


😂 lol.   Self discipline is a struggle for me too.  I seem to be my own worse enemy.   
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: neophyte on May 07, 2018, 07:21:56 PM
How about changing the goal to 2lbs? Then it's more flexible, thus doable, and you're still moving in the optimal direction (vs potentially giving up, self-starving toward the end of month, etc)?

I honestly feel like I'd rather just give up than aim for a loss that slow. It's not about meeting some monthly number I've picked for myself. It's about being a fatass and at this point I'm disgusted with myself regardless.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Sailor Sam on May 07, 2018, 07:39:38 PM
How about changing the goal to 2lbs? Then it's more flexible, thus doable, and you're still moving in the optimal direction (vs potentially giving up, self-starving toward the end of month, etc)?

I honestly feel like I'd rather just give up than aim for a loss that slow. It's not about meeting some monthly number I've picked for myself. It's about being a fatass and at this point I'm disgusted with myself regardless.

Pax, brother. I also felt wildly unhappy about how physically big I’d become. And my peak weight had the added humiliation of being weighed and measured and getting a discipline letter formally telling me I was fat, and to fix it. The 4 weeks it took to dial in my calories and actually see some downward progress was incredibly frustrating. I wanted to gnaw my wrists open.

Still, 1 - 1.5 lbs per week has a much larger chance of long term success, and better health outcomes. Relate it back to ’a full MMM crashstop’. You know the ones. They just sold all their possessions, rented a backyard shed from the dudebro down the street, and have informed their spouse the grocery store is now verboten in lieu of foraging and dumpster diving. They are puzzled as to why relations have broken down, and you, experienced forumite, can just see the flameout on the horizon. Your diet plan sounds similar, and I might be nothing but an internet stranger, but I honestly don’t want that pain for you.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 07, 2018, 11:30:13 PM
I honestly feel like I'd rather just give up than aim for a loss that slow. It's not about meeting some monthly number I've picked for myself. It's about being a fatass and at this point I'm disgusted with myself regardless.

Oh :(     I’m so sorry you’re feeling so crappy about yourself, neophyte. I know (from the forum) that you’re an awesome person. But I know that doesn’t change how you feel in and about your physicality.

A kickstart can certainly help, when we feel that shitty about our starting point. Would you like to converse here about what kickstarts have helped others? Or is there another way we can all help you achieve your dream here?
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on May 07, 2018, 11:57:10 PM
I have the advantage of knowing I have no will power at all, so I'm not tempted to heroics like resisting brownies when I'm hungry. Not going to happen, not ever.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: SquashingDebt on May 08, 2018, 04:49:19 AM
I honestly feel like I'd rather just give up than aim for a loss that slow. It's not about meeting some monthly number I've picked for myself. It's about being a fatass and at this point I'm disgusted with myself regardless.

Oh :(     I’m so sorry you’re feeling so crappy about yourself, neophyte. I know (from the forum) that you’re an awesome person. But I know that doesn’t change how you feel in and about your physicality.

A kickstart can certainly help, when we feel that shitty about our starting point. Would you like to converse here about what kickstarts have helped others? Or is there another way we can all help you achieve your dream here?

@jooniFLORisploo - I mostly just lurk here on the forums, but wanted to thank you for all your kind, thoughtful contributions on the forums.  I've been working a lot on improving my self care recently and your example has really helped me (especially in the Healthy Choices thread).  This post in particular was really kind and thoughtful and helpful and for whatever reason brought tears to my eyes.  Anyhow, thank you!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 08, 2018, 06:15:51 AM
Thank you, SquashingDebt! Last night and this morning i was feeling futile, for [forum reasons]. You sure lifted that for me right now! So...right back atcha, ha :)
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Gilly on May 08, 2018, 06:22:51 AM
How about changing the goal to 2lbs? Then it's more flexible, thus doable, and you're still moving in the optimal direction (vs potentially giving up, self-starving toward the end of month, etc)?

I honestly feel like I'd rather just give up than aim for a loss that slow. It's not about meeting some monthly number I've picked for myself. It's about being a fatass and at this point I'm disgusted with myself regardless.
Uff. Do you feel any better about this after a night's rest? Not being facetious, just wondering because there are certain times of day where I am convinced anything and everything I attempt is a failure. Hopefully a new day bring a more positive outlook. Second JooniFLorisploo offer of different ideas to achieve success, iff you wish to discuss.
 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Gilly on May 08, 2018, 06:32:23 AM
Feel soft of weird posting one after another, but it has been a week since this challenge started and I wanted to check in for personal accountability.

Starting weight on 5/1: 197.6 lbs
Average of the week since: 196.4 lbs
Weight today: 198.6 lbs (my highest weight this week)
Lowest weight in past week: 195.4 lbs

Non-Scale positives: Biked into work 5/5 working days. Had my longest run yet.
Room for improvement: Too many alcoholic drinks (9). Only did 15 minutes of yoga, I want to get this up to 35 for the week.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: wildbeast on May 08, 2018, 08:53:17 AM
Feel soft of weird posting one after another, but it has been a week since this challenge started and I wanted to check in for personal accountability.

Starting weight on 5/1: 197.6 lbs
Average of the week since: 196.4 lbs
Weight today: 198.6 lbs (my highest weight this week)
Lowest weight in past week: 195.4 lbs

Non-Scale positives: Biked into work 5/5 working days. Had my longest run yet.
Room for improvement: Too many alcoholic drinks (9). Only did 15 minutes of yoga, I want to get this up to 35 for the week.

The most successful weight loss period for me was years ago when I did an online challenge with a few other people and we made a commitment to post daily.  Something about posting no matter how I was feeling (I tend to not want to post when I'm not doing well) made a huge difference and the support we were able to generate for each other was amazing.  So of course, I think more posting is always a good thing! :) 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: chaskavitch on May 08, 2018, 08:56:08 AM
I forgot my lunch yesterday, so I was ravenous by the time I got home.  Ate a bunch of cheese and cashews while cooking a healthy dinner, then I ate a bunch of leftover rice with butter and more cashews and a clif bar and probably more things too after dinner :( 

They weren't that delicious, and I was uncomfortably full, but I still kept going, even though I was conscious of the fact that I was making ridiculous choices.  Why?  It's so silly :(  Should have had some gum instead.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: wildbeast on May 08, 2018, 09:03:25 AM
I honestly feel like I'd rather just give up than aim for a loss that slow. It's not about meeting some monthly number I've picked for myself. It's about being a fatass and at this point I'm disgusted with myself regardless.

Oh :(     I’m so sorry you’re feeling so crappy about yourself, neophyte. I know (from the forum) that you’re an awesome person. But I know that doesn’t change how you feel in and about your physicality.

A kickstart can certainly help, when we feel that shitty about our starting point. Would you like to converse here about what kickstarts have helped others? Or is there another way we can all help you achieve your dream here?

@jooniFLORisploo - I mostly just lurk here on the forums, but wanted to thank you for all your kind, thoughtful contributions on the forums.  I've been working a lot on improving my self care recently and your example has really helped me (especially in the Healthy Choices thread).  This post in particular was really kind and thoughtful and helpful and for whatever reason brought tears to my eyes.  Anyhow, thank you!

+100!!!

@jooniFLORisploo has a tremendous gift of compassion.  You do, jooni!!!  :) 

I remember years ago my therapist telling me that I was way too hard on myself, and I just couldn't see it.  I didn't think she was lying per se, as she was a wonderful person, but I thought she was surely MISTAKEN.  :)  Turns out she was right and now I can sometimes, sometimes, catch myself being really harsh with myself.  But it's still hard to see it and even harder to stop.  What I should do is find a replacement behavior/thought to replace it with, rather than try to figure out a way to just eliminate it.  Apparently, that is easier to do.  Identify - Replace!

See how great jooni is?  Her wonderful comment has made several of us look inward and possibly make positive changes in how we treat ourselves (and hopefully others).  What a gift!  Jooni - you are a gift to our planet.   ((((((((( jooni ))))))))))  Thank you.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 08, 2018, 09:33:24 AM
Aw, (((thank you, jane x))))

You know I'm so grateful to YOU for creating this series. It's wonderful, allowing each of us to "start fresh" every month (as well as every day). The option to start fresh as often as needed is one of the biggest pieces to self-compassion, IMO. It's no small thing you've done here, in acting on your inspiration.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on May 08, 2018, 09:44:54 AM
Joon is the best.

And yeah, about getting down on yourself. It's like scolding dogs for eating meat that you left them alone with. They're just going to eat it, that's how they're made. We're clever primates, and our evolutionary niche is finding troves of densely caloric food that other critters aren't smart enough to get to. We're designed to obsess about it. Resisting those things (long-term, anyway) just isn't in our specs.

Now we're in an environment where those troves are everywhere, constantly available, and marketed to us with fiendish cleverness. Of course we're fat.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: wildbeast on May 08, 2018, 09:48:40 AM
Aw, (((thank you, jane x))))

You know I'm so grateful to YOU for creating this series. It's wonderful, allowing each of us to "start fresh" every month (as well as every day). The option to start fresh as often as needed is one of the biggest pieces to self-compassion, IMO. It's no small thing you've done here, in acting on your inspiration.

I've kinda been shocked (and delighted!) by the response to tell you the truth.  I was afraid of posting the first thread because I didn't think anyone would be interested.  Goes to show that old saying is true:  Don't Believe Everything You Think!

"Self-compassion... the option to start fresh as often as needed."  That's really interesting.  Have you ever read or listened to any of Clarissa Pinkola Estes' work?  She has some amazing audio books and one of the things I remember her saying is that "life gives us endless do-overs."  And that thought has always stayed with me because my thinking goes contrary to it and it's a burden to live with.

It would be interesting to do a month-long focus on self-compassion.  Would you be up for it?  I often think I don't know how to do it.  I think the only way I've ever known how to show love/kindness/compassion for myself is with food.       
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 08, 2018, 09:58:17 AM
Have you ever read or listened to any of Clarissa Pinkola Estes' work?  She has some amazing audio books and one of the things I remember her saying is that "life gives us endless do-overs."

Oh, not yet! The name is new to me. But the idea of being able to start fresh every single day has been a theme for me for some decades. Critically important, otherwise I would have chosen to die.

It would be interesting to do a month-long focus on self-compassion.  Would you be up for it?

TOTALLY.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: wildbeast on May 08, 2018, 10:01:16 AM
Joon is the best.

And yeah, about getting down on yourself. It's like scolding dogs for eating meat that you left them alone with. They're just going to eat it, that's how they're made. We're clever primates, and our evolutionary niche is finding troves of densely caloric food that other critters aren't smart enough to get to. We're designed to obsess about it. Resisting those things (long-term, anyway) just isn't in our specs.

Now we're in an environment where those troves are everywhere, constantly available, and marketed to us with fiendish cleverness. Of course we're fat.

Yes!  I think it's especially powerful when advertising targets our need for belonging and love with food.  The need for belonging and love is primal and advertising is able to bypass our thinking brain and hijack our primal brain into actually believing that food will give us that sense of belonging and being loved.  And of course, when it doesn't, we think it's just because we're not eating the right food, so we keep trying.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: wildbeast on May 08, 2018, 10:11:30 AM
Have you ever read or listened to any of Clarissa Pinkola Estes' work?  She has some amazing audio books and one of the things I remember her saying is that "life gives us endless do-overs."

Oh, not yet! The name is new to me. But the idea of being able to start fresh every single day has been a theme for me for some decades. Critically important, otherwise I would have chosen to die.

It would be interesting to do a month-long focus on self-compassion.  Would you be up for it?

TOTALLY.

That would be so AWESOME!  You wanna start now?  We can start a new thread just for it. 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Hirondelle on May 08, 2018, 10:12:37 AM
Mehh I've been doing bad this month, or actually since April 26 already. Didn't manage to eat healthy much and excercised way less than normal/desirable. Lots of work stress + lots of semi-bad eating + some national holidays/festivals + the work and festivals getting in the way of my regular exercise schedule = lots of meh.

I want to get back on track but the work stress won't end until Monday and the Wednesday after I'll go on vacation (yes, I planned that very well and I'm looking forward to it big time!). No expectations to lose any weight tho so I hope at least I won't be creeping up.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on May 08, 2018, 10:15:16 AM
Yes!  I think it's especially powerful when advertising targets our need for belonging and love with food.  The need for belonging and love is primal and advertising is able to bypass our thinking brain and hijack our primal brain into actually believing that food will give us that sense of belonging and being loved.  And of course, when it doesn't, we think it's just because we're not eating the right food, so we keep trying.

And that's on top of all the social and family food rituals where genuine bonding is all tangled up with (over-) eating. This stuff is hard.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: RetiredAt63 on May 08, 2018, 11:31:56 AM

The most successful weight loss period for me was years ago when I did an online challenge with a few other people and we made a commitment to post daily.  Something about posting no matter how I was feeling (I tend to not want to post when I'm not doing well) made a huge difference and the support we were able to generate for each other was amazing.  So of course, I think more posting is always a good thing! :)

I post here twice a month - day 1 and day 31.  But I have an Excel spreadsheet and every day my first thing in the morning weight gets recorded, plus the time of day, plus anything that might be relevant.  I've kept this off and on for about 3 years now - I can look back and see the weight creeping up while my knee was so bad. 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: CNM on May 08, 2018, 11:33:44 AM
May I join, too?  I have already been working on this goal, and it is to lose 3 lbs by the end of May.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: hoping2retire35 on May 08, 2018, 12:05:56 PM
Well, some big changes lately. It seems like it took me all of March and half of April before I began to get results. Lots of diet changes, intermittent running from time to time and trying to do some athletic event stuff. Weight would go up or down by 2 pounds but basically stay the same. But mid-April I started lifting 4 days a week and running about 3 days (sometimes on the same days) along with a supple amount of yard work. Most of the changes happened on the weekends. Cut out booze to one day a week and really started to cut back on what I ate, trying cut out sugar and up the protein.

If I can keep this up I'll be done cutting by the end of May. Here goes another week of sitting at work and thinking of food.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: ender on May 08, 2018, 12:33:38 PM
No real progress so far. :\
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: wildbeast on May 08, 2018, 01:15:59 PM
I forgot to post my week 1 progress.  I'm down 2.4 lbs and I'm very surprised by it and trying not to forecast this kind of loss for the rest of the month.  In March I lost 1 lb total.  So I'm trying to keep my expectations realistic. 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 08, 2018, 01:24:07 PM
You wanna start now?  We can start a new thread just for it.

Yes :)    Please make, and I join right away!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: BuildingmyFIRE on May 08, 2018, 02:33:57 PM
I'm a glutton for punishment.  Put me in for 5.  The same 5 I've been trying to lose (and keep off) since I had surgery.  A year and a half ago.  *sigh*. I have been really good about not buying new clothes this year, but that means I have been limited to the "fat clothes" in my closet, which is not a robust selection.  Wish me luck!

Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: facepalm on May 08, 2018, 05:17:03 PM
In. I'll go for 8.

Stepped on the scale this morning. I'm down 8, but let's see if I can keep it off 'till the end of the month.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on May 09, 2018, 10:05:11 AM
Wednesday weekly averages:

April 25:      162.0 lbs, 36.1"
May 2:        160.7 lbs, 35.8"
May 9:        160.3 lbs, 35.5"

So far, so good: -- trying to level off the weight loss but lose a couple more inches around the waist, and it looks like I hit it about right this week. I've never played the end game of a weight loss before. Tricky, loosening the reins without letting the horse bolt.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: sisto on May 09, 2018, 10:43:27 AM
Down 1.8 as of this morning, 3.2 to go for me. Seems to be tracking well towards month end so far.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: wildbeast on May 09, 2018, 02:38:54 PM
Welcome new people - you've been added!

Completely unrelated to weight loss:  I was using my credit card for online purchase and I had it in my hand to get the numbers.  It has now disappeared.  My desk has swallowed it.  The universe is telling me that my desk has become a financial hazard!  :)
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 09, 2018, 03:50:19 PM
My update: My eating has been up, my movement down. Fascinatingly, my weight is also up ;)
I'm not worried. Sometimes I need a week to kick back, as other aspects of life need attention. I know I'll resume my norm shortly.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: K-12FI on May 14, 2018, 08:14:07 AM
Goal: Drop 12 lbs before end of summer.

Starting Weight: 137 lbs

Current: 15.2 lbs.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Gilly on May 15, 2018, 06:58:28 AM
End of week 2:
Weekly high: 197.0
Weekly low: 194.6
Weekly average: 196.2
Progress. average not great, but low and high showed improvement.
I'm just tracking everything, and whichever number makes me happy is the one I will go with :)
Hope everybody is making progress in at least one metric.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: wildbeast on May 15, 2018, 08:53:41 AM
@Gilly - I like your methodology!  :)  And congrats on the progress.

Well, I lost over 2 lbs last week and then promptly gained them back plus a little extra so I ended the week with a slight gain of .3 lbs.  And I've been really hungry too.  On Friday night we went to the movies and I had a huge tub of popcorn so I don't know if that triggered something.  Oh well, I'm in this for the long game.  I'm still down 2 lbs for the month and that's a good thing.

How's everyone else doing?
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Sailor Sam on May 15, 2018, 08:56:30 AM
@Gilly - I like your methodology!  :)  And congrats on the progress.
How's everyone else doing?

Still processing out the water gain, and possible weight gain, from drinking all the booze on Saturday. Lesson learned, body. Lesson learned.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: wildbeast on May 15, 2018, 11:14:42 AM
I forgot to mention a nice NSV (non-scale victory).  Yesterday I was preparing to go swimming after over a month away and I found that my suit was too big, so I dug out my collection and was pleasantly surprised to find that I've gone down 3 sizes since the beginning of the year. 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: neophyte on May 15, 2018, 12:16:22 PM
I forgot to mention a nice NSV (non-scale victory).  Yesterday I was preparing to go swimming after over a month away and I found that my suit was too big, so I dug out my collection and was pleasantly surprised to find that I've gone down 3 sizes since the beginning of the year.

Congrats! That's pretty exciting!

I'd like to thank everyone for their kind words and encouragement. Especially @jooniFLORisploo.  I've been holding at 166.5 for the last two days, so at least I'm not still looking at a gain for this month. I haven't managed to keep to any of the things I calculated I would need to do except for walking the dog, which isn't really optional.  Between that and my commute, I'm walking for 3-4 hours a day and I feel like I don't have time for anything else. I think some of my frustrated outburst in my last post was hormonal, some of it was due to exhaustion, and some is just that I am honestly really frustrated at my rate of weight loss so far this year. I was aiming for 5lb/ month to meet my goals by fall which should be a sustainable rate, but I'm considerably slower. 

Hormones are back under control this week, but I'm dealing with a bigger sleep deficit than I was. I don't know how I'm supposed to find time to exercise when I can't even find time to cut the grass or put away my laundry. [cut out long rant about roommates and puppy].

I'm making my two main goals for this week sleeping and trying to work on getting the cat to accept the presence of the dog. And cutting the grass and putting away the laundry.

I've got Jury Duty tomorrow. Oh joy! I'll take healthy snacks so I don't wind up eating from vending machines and convenience stores.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: RetiredAt63 on May 15, 2018, 06:10:15 PM
trying to work on getting the cat to accept the presence of the dog.

OT a bit - My cat was really easy to persuade. I always let her give the puppy a good swat, puppy learned respect and fear for the cat, and all was fine.  Given the puppy was bigger than the cat when she first came home, respect and fear were good things.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 15, 2018, 06:13:53 PM
I'd like to thank everyone for their kind words and encouragement. Especially @jooniFLORisploo

(((neophyte)))   And congrats on your current success! Holding steady is already no small feat!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on May 16, 2018, 07:47:15 AM
Wednesday weekly averages:

April 25:      162.0 lbs, 36.1"
May 2:        160.7 lbs, 35.8"
May 9:        160.3 lbs, 35.5"
May 16:      159.5 lbs, 35.7"

Not quite sure what to make of this -- the weight and the circumference numbers aren't running in sync :-)

We'll give it another week and see where they go.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: CNM on May 16, 2018, 09:05:36 AM
Wednesday weekly averages:

April 25:      162.0 lbs, 36.1"
May 2:        160.7 lbs, 35.8"
May 9:        160.3 lbs, 35.5"
May 16:      159.5 lbs, 35.7"

Not quite sure what to make of this -- the weight and the circumference numbers aren't running in sync :-)

We'll give it another week and see where they go.

Is it possibly a measuring error in that it is not the exact same spot as the other measurements? 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: haypug16 on May 16, 2018, 09:30:21 AM
Totally fell off the wagon here. So I'm weighting in today and will get my butt back in gear for the rest of the month. Don't know if I'll hit my 4lbs goal but I will at least move in the right direction;

May 16th 125.4Lbs
Goal 121.4lbs
0/4 lbs lost
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: CNM on May 16, 2018, 11:14:24 AM
Eh... I haven't had any movement on the scale.  I think it's because I have not been getting as much exercise as usual and my carb intake went up last week due to a mis-delivered bag of pretzel rolls.  :)  At least there's no gain. 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on May 16, 2018, 11:28:53 AM

Is it possibly a measuring error in that it is not the exact same spot as the other measurements?

Yeah, that's my guess, though I do each daily measurement 3 times & average them, and then take the weekly average of those 7 averages. (Yeah, OCD. File under "put your neuroses to work for you!") Still, over a long enough time you're bound to get a run of wack measurements. That 35.5" from last week looks pretty out of place! I thought at the time it looked too good to be true.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: neophyte on May 17, 2018, 10:21:52 AM
OT a bit - My cat was really easy to persuade. I always let her give the puppy a good swat, puppy learned respect and fear for the cat, and all was fine.  Given the puppy was bigger than the cat when she first came home, respect and fear were good things.

Sorry for the off topic, but I really wish it were this easy!  She took one look at him one month ago and ran up the stairs and she has refused to be on the same floor as him since.  We have to carry her from the basement to the second floor and back twice a day to use the litterbox and she fights us the whole time.

Weight wise I'm slightly up to 167 (within margin of error) and simply ravenous today. I had a 950 calorie breakfast and I really, really want want a burrito right now.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Hirondelle on May 17, 2018, 11:54:03 PM
I just found a scale today at my friend's house and it seems like I'm down 1 lb in 3 weeks. Which is remarkable, as they weren't my best 3 weeks food and exercise wise.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: BuildingmyFIRE on May 18, 2018, 06:15:20 AM
I'm down 1.6.  The loss accelerated once I accepted that no, you can't have a glass of wine with dinner and expect to lose weight.  If anyone is interested, I find the app "Lose it!" very helpful.  Having to log everything you eat does make you think twice about eating something that you don't want a record of. 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: RetiredAt63 on May 20, 2018, 06:15:26 AM
OT a bit - My cat was really easy to persuade. I always let her give the puppy a good swat, puppy learned respect and fear for the cat, and all was fine.  Given the puppy was bigger than the cat when she first came home, respect and fear were good things.

Sorry for the off topic, but I really wish it were this easy!  She took one look at him one month ago and ran up the stairs and she has refused to be on the same floor as him since.  We have to carry her from the basement to the second floor and back twice a day to use the litterbox and she fights us the whole time.

Weight wise I'm slightly up to 167 (within margin of error) and simply ravenous today. I had a 950 calorie breakfast and I really, really want want a burrito right now.

Oh your poor kitty, how stressful for her.  She is definitely not channeling her inner Scottish wildcat.

Weight-wise I have stalled. 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: westtoeast on May 20, 2018, 08:17:24 AM
Down 4 lbs, so 1 more lb to go by the end of the month. Action steps continue to be: low carb breakfast & lunch, kickboxing classes, tracking calories on myfitnesspal, and following an 80/20 plan (20 percent of the time I don't stress about what I'm eating-- so if I do something with friends on the weekend and a big brunch comes into play, it's OK). I also totally agree with an earlier comment-- having to record everything you eat leads to better choices because you don't want to have to add 600 calories of ice cream to your log! I've also finally reached that stage of diet-reset where I am not craving stuff quite as much. There is non-dairy ice cream in my freezer and I haven't eaten it for weeks! Not sure if things will stay this way, but I hope so. It took about six weeks for cravings to subside. 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on May 20, 2018, 12:36:50 PM
Realized this morning that leveling out my weight loss and still expecting to lose an inch per month from my waist is roughly equivalent to expecting my body to build five pounds of new muscle per month. Which is absurd. A pound of new muscle in a month is serious training-up (unless you're totally deconditioned to start with.) Holding my weight steady at 160, losing these last three inches should take more like... oh, eighteen months. Crap.

Still, there it is. I just have to readjust my thinking. A realistic goal for myself now is something like 0.2" per month. The glory days of obvious shape-changing every month are over :-)
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: hoping2retire35 on May 21, 2018, 08:53:44 AM
Well, yeah. You are 160 lbs; you can't loose forever. Build muscle and those abs!

I am getting frustrated. I have taken to a new nutrition, cutting, and muscle building plan. Though I am getting much stronger and arms, shoulders and legs are getting toned, gut and lower back haven't had much improvement; nor weight. Bah!

Trying to find ab workouts 'you can do while at work!' I need to loose the weight and the spare tire.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 21, 2018, 12:32:35 PM
I'm definitely stalled. I'm forgiving myself for this :)
Some periods in life are harder to release weight in than others -big transitions are definitely that point for me. My child's life has changed positively, suddenly, significantly, and this is impacting what I have access to and when. I now need to develop a plan for me. Over the next seven days, I will focus my WLC energy on that, so that I've got a nice plan in place for the June challenge.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on May 21, 2018, 01:47:00 PM
Well, yeah. You are 160 lbs; you can't loose forever. Build muscle and those abs!

I am getting frustrated. I have taken to a new nutrition, cutting, and muscle building plan. Though I am getting much stronger and arms, shoulders and legs are getting toned, gut and lower back haven't had much improvement; nor weight. Bah!

Trying to find ab workouts 'you can do while at work!' I need to loose the weight and the spare tire.

An L-sit in your chair? :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quGgJy6IVXI
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: neophyte on May 21, 2018, 03:34:45 PM
I'm also stuck again.  I really want to knock some weight off this month because I'm on vacation the first two weeks of June and I know I'm going to overeat then.  Weightloss is mostly diet, but I really need to find the time to start working out again just from a feeling better and trying not to lose muscle tone perspective.  I haven't done it in long enough that I won't be able to pick up where I left off, which is disappointing.

One of my roommates and I are planning a backpacking trip over the long weekend so at least I know I'll be able to stick to my diet for two days. I'll allow myself some additional calories for that, but I feel like calorie expenditure isn't actually all that much higher than normal, and even if it is, two days of caloric deprivation won't hurt me too much. 

Trying to find ab workouts 'you can do while at work!' I need to loose the weight and the spare tire.

Not that I ever remember to do exercises at my desk, but what about sitting on the edge of your chair and leaning back as far as you can without resting your back?  I also try to do butt clenches when I remember and find excuses to have to run up or down the stairs to do something. I think it helps if I do it on a regular basis. Activating those big muscles helps burn calories.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 21, 2018, 03:45:49 PM
I now need to develop a plan for me. Over the next seven days, I will focus my WLC energy on that, so that I've got a nice plan in place for the June challenge.

Actually, for accountability I'm going to post that here (editing it as I figure things out).

Main challenges:
1. My new homes are coffee shops and pubs.
2. Even if I walk for the first hour of a given session, at some point I need to hunker down.
3. Safety
4. Heat

So, I need to identify any of:
1. Cool walking routes, or walking companions, or cheap solo activities during those times
2. Healthy ways to support the venues (e.g., herbal tea, or no product just a tip)
3. Cold, portable protein
4. Other healthy ways to nurture myself in the new schedule
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: neophyte on May 21, 2018, 04:06:16 PM
2. Healthy ways to support the venues (e.g., herbal tea, or no product just a tip)
3. Cold, portable protein

2.  Oh!  I like the tip only idea!  I'll have to remember that in the future to assuage my guilt about not ordering anything when my friends want to hit happy hour.

3.  I'm a big fan of hard boiled eggs!  They are cheap, easy, and keep for a relatively long time. I even take them on backpacking trips.  I haven't eaten them after more than 3 days unrefrigerated though.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 21, 2018, 06:43:40 PM
ha, the tip-only idea was brand new to me the moment of posting, I think :)    I liked it too! I think I'll just do that for several places this week, see how it feels.

Hard-boiled egg! You're brilliant :)     I had no idea they could go so long unrefrigerated. (Mine would only need to last a few hours.)
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Gilly on May 22, 2018, 06:22:15 AM
I have always enjoyed steamed milk at coffee shops. Not an everyday thing and it does have ~200 calories, but it has protein and is an non-caffeinated option. Though regular coffee is always calorie budget friendly.
Jerky of some sort is another good unrefrigerated protein source. Not exactly cheap though.
I have also frozen yogurt cups or gogurt and eaten them at lunch and they are either still cool or partially frozen depending how hot it is.

 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Gilly on May 22, 2018, 06:31:55 AM
End of week 3
Weekly high: 196 lb
Weekly low: 192.6 lb
Weekly average: 193.8 lbs

Start weight: 197.6
W1 ave: 196.4
W2 ave: 196.2

Feel pretty good about the average weight. This is the first week I have felt good about my alcohol intake- 6 drinks over the week. Probably should drop it to 4-5 over the week, but I have a house project that isn't going so well, so I am chalking up 2 of those drinks to not having a back door. Did better with yoga this past week, but I didn't run. Still trying to find an exercise balance that works for me.
Hope everybody is finding some positives in this process, even if the progress is being elusive.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 22, 2018, 07:50:34 AM
Thanks very much for the ideas, Gilly :)   Much appreciated. The cost of jerky for this purpose is worth it to me. My favourite drink at a shop is a super frothy (“dry”) skim cappucino. As many times per week as I need to be out now, the cost would be too much, but in the rotation it would be fine.

Realized last night that I’m also just going to return to my favourite approach: my (long) list of optimal foods. There’s simply no value, benefit, or need in the things off that list that are problematic for me. I’m happiest knowing my plan and staying within in. It’s a lovely list, and easy to go with, so that starts today again. So, this morning’s outing will be: tip only; or chamomile tea (could also be that capp, but I’m not spending that much today).
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 22, 2018, 09:04:49 AM
Today's Workarounds

Weather: Bright, dry, clear, warm
Planning: Googlemap area parks; leave book bag at home (no book bag = no coffee shop, no fretting about stuff)

830am: Hearty breakfast, two 'B Calm' supplement
930: Drop off kid, start walking - aim to pause somewhere for L-sit (thanks, koshtra) and other handstand preparation work
1030-1120: Counselling
1120-6pm: Home for studying, work, food, fruit-juice freezie, etc
7pm: Outing, water bottle, at break play outside with kid
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on May 22, 2018, 12:27:35 PM
I've lost another pound, bringing my total for the year to 4.2 lbs/lost. This is WAY slower than I want, but it's moving in the right direction. I also just got back from a work trip, and have another one starting Saturday. Those trips kill my mojo and I always gain a pound. (20 hour travel days, unusual food, every meal out, jet lag, sleep, less working out), etc. I'm coming up with a few goals for this week's trip:

-I usually treat myself to cream in my coffee + sugar, because I'm so tired. I'm going to sub for tea. I don't love tea, but it's the caffeine I need, not the calories. Also, I'll be in Tokyo, so there will be an abundance of nice tea.
-I'm going to limit alcohol to weekends + my one team dinner, vs feeling like I can have drinks every day as a "reward" for surviving. Nope
-No sugar
-Work out 4 times.

My goal is to come back at the same weight, and then be able to kick this last .8 pound, which will put me at a new mental milestone.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 22, 2018, 05:21:08 PM
Way to go, MaybeBabyMustache! I really like your planning, too.

Today's Workarounds

That went so freakishly well, I'm going to plan in that level of detail for tomorrow too.

When I went to start walking today, I found glorious things: a free outdoor gym next to the water, tall sets of stairs to climb, etc. SCORE! Counsellor didn't show, so I spent my waiting time doing body-weight strength stuff in the hall, then took off walking again. I loved being outdoors yet safe, and alone thus unselfconscious in my explorations.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on May 22, 2018, 05:40:10 PM
Counselor DIDN'T SHOW? Well, that's an easy one to cross off. Sheesh!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 22, 2018, 05:49:28 PM
Counselor DIDN'T SHOW? Well, that's an easy one to cross off. Sheesh!

It was a much more convoluted and terrible story than just that. A simple no-show, with a follow-up of, "Oh shit, I messed up. So sorry. Can we reschedule?" works just fine for me, because we all forget a thing sometimes. (My son's counsellor forgot once, no biggie.) However, the entire episode with this Potential Therapist was appalling. So yes, NOPE!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: joonifloofeefloo on May 22, 2018, 11:24:50 PM
Tomorrow's Workarounds

830am: Hearty breakfast (ham, eggs, kale), one 'B Calm' supplement
930: Walk, outdoor handstand preps
School work at coffee shop. Options: Hot frothy skim capp, or cham tea, or just tip
Work, eat, etc
Kid's evening class: walk solo to errand

I usually sit (work) during kid's classes, but now it's light and dry out til late so am able to be active during those times. I walk far more efficiently if I have a goal (task or place). I can start doing more of those by foot now.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Cookie78 on May 23, 2018, 10:17:49 AM
The last 2.5 weeks have been a whirlwind of non stop physical labour while fixing my house, then my brother's house with no time to snack between meals. My craving levels have dropped and with it, my weight. I finally got back to my scale for the first time since the beginning of the month and I'm ALREADY down the 4 pounds I had set as my goal this month. :)

Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on May 23, 2018, 10:28:17 AM
Wednesday weekly averages:

April 25:      162.0 lbs, 36.1"
May 2:        160.7 lbs, 35.8"
May 9:        160.3 lbs, 35.5"
May 16:      159.5 lbs, 35.7"
May 23:      158.2 lbs, 35.4"

I guess I'll wait for next week's numbers before making up my mind, but it looks like I haven't added enough calories back in to bring my weight to equilibrium. (I didn't know I could even BE this small. What happened to my "big bones"?)
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: neophyte on May 23, 2018, 10:39:37 AM
I've had a few 1600-1700 calorie days and with it, my weight is back up to 169. And I got home at 8 last night and was too tired to walk the dog so we just played fetch.  At this rate, my goal of being in the 140's by September is out of reach :(

I'm supposed to meet a friend for dinner tonight.  I struggle when it comes to being social and frugal- both with the calorie budget and the money budget.  I decided to take a leaf out of jooni's book and try pre-planning for the day instead of recording as I go.  I don't like it pre-planning meals, but I do think I stick to my goals better that way.  The plan is to get burritos. I'm hoping I can eat half for dinner and save the other half for lunch tomorrow.  Wish me luck!

Edit: Did ok on calories, not great, 1450. Roommate has shared the hiking plan. Is essentially 28 miles in 1 full and 2 half days. I'm not sure I'm up for that much right now. I'm used to walking 6 or 7 a day but that's without a pack on basically flat ground.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: BuildingmyFIRE on May 24, 2018, 06:59:38 AM
Down 2.4.  I don't think I'll make the full 5 by the end of the month, but I'm pretty happy so far. 
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Hirondelle on May 24, 2018, 07:40:23 AM
I spent a few days with a friend with an odd eating pattern. Pretty convinced I must've lost weight hanging out with him as we skipped breakfast every day, once forgot dinner (we drank beer instead tho) and I also semi-forgot lunch twice resulting in a small meal at 4 PM.

Surely not the healthiest of all days, but it always surprises me how easy those days happen when I'm hanging out with him. Let's just consider it some unintended intermittent fasting. It'll take another week before I have access to a scale though, so now it's a matter of keeping up healthy eating and see the results after that.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: wildbeast on May 28, 2018, 09:43:12 AM
Hi everyone - I hope things are going well.  I'm taking a break from the weight loss challenge to focus on some other health issues and I'll probably be gone for 4-6 weeks. 

Would someone be willing to create the June challenge thread to keep the momentum going?  If so, you can create it anytime and do it any way you like.  :)



Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: neophyte on May 28, 2018, 03:51:40 PM
I'd be happy to make a thread, but I don't know how committed I'll be able to be to loosing weight in June. I'll be on vacation the first two weeks, so if I can manage to stay steady, that will be a victory for me.

I'm happy to report I survived the backpacking trip unscathed aside from a minor blister.  It turned out it wasn't quite as grueling as I had imagined it would be.  I had another friend offer to go backpacking with me sometime which is awesome because the roommate I went with has been a bit of a pill lately and I need a break from him!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: chaskavitch on May 29, 2018, 06:21:33 AM
I've failed miserably, but I'm up for trying again next month.  I've at least been working out 3x/week, and I'm committed to keeping that up, so it's a start.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: koshtra on May 30, 2018, 11:43:40 AM
Wednesday weekly averages:

April 25:      162.0 lbs, 36.1"
May 2:        160.7 lbs, 35.8"
May 9:        160.3 lbs, 35.5"
May 16:      159.5 lbs, 35.7"
May 23:      158.2 lbs, 35.4"
May 30:      157.7 lbs, 35.3"

Just under the wire. I guess I'm done here: I mean to lose another inch or two from my waistline over the next couple years, but my weight is where I wanted it -- below anything I ever really thought possible, in fact. Monthly progress will be pretty near imperceptible, at this point. Thanks so much, all, for the company on this last stretch of the road!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Cookie78 on May 30, 2018, 04:47:40 PM
I'm in for 4

As of today I lost EIGHT pounds in May. After a year of struggling/lack of motivation I knocked it out of the park this month. One month at a time seems to be working for me.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: neophyte on May 30, 2018, 09:53:14 PM
I'm in for 4

As of today I lost EIGHT pounds in May. After a year of struggling/lack of motivation I knocked it out of the park this month. One month at a time seems to be working for me.

Whoa! Congrats!

Wednesday weekly averages:

April 25:      162.0 lbs, 36.1"
May 2:        160.7 lbs, 35.8"
May 9:        160.3 lbs, 35.5"
May 16:      159.5 lbs, 35.7"
May 23:      158.2 lbs, 35.4"
May 30:      157.7 lbs, 35.3"

Just under the wire. I guess I'm done here: I mean to lose another inch or two from my waistline over the next couple years, but my weight is where I wanted it -- below anything I ever really thought possible, in fact. Monthly progress will be pretty near imperceptible, at this point. Thanks so much, all, for the company on this last stretch of the road!
Congrats to you too! Well miss you around here but I then that's a good thing. You can now start the "Maintaining Weight in Month" thread series.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: hoping2retire35 on May 31, 2018, 06:16:55 AM
Some how through all the ups and downs I lost 8 pounds in another month. I have also been eating a lot of protein and working out and lifting pretty hard. Most of the weight came off in the first week or so in May and the rest of the month was just lifting and exchanging body fat for muscle watching my weight fluctuate.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: FrugalYCP on May 31, 2018, 07:04:41 AM
I'm down 3.6 lbs total, but failed to reach my goal of 5. I've gained a belt loop though, so I'm happy with my progress. I'll keep with it and hopefully see similar results next month.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: ditkanate on May 31, 2018, 07:20:56 AM
Put me in for 10.

I'm doing basically full Keto at this point. i've got plenty to lose and think that 10 is reasonable.... iiiiiiiiiiiiffff I keep to my plan of actually eating keto (and turning down muffins, donuts, cookies, etc).

This morning, weighed in at 212.2 lbs. 

By 5/31, would love to be at or around 200.  Might be a tad aggressive, but we shall see!

Wow, I weighed today at exactly 212.2 and have about the same goal :-)

Nice!  I'm doing keto/low carb also.  Had a cheat meal yesterday after a successful week.  Currently looking at 211.6 (post cheat).  Hopefully drop a few pounds this week.

Need to do better.  Let special events drag me down on weekends.  Ended the month down 0.8 pounds!  Better than gaining, but with a huge vacation coming up the first week of July i'd really like to be around 200 at the end of june.  Maybe just shoot for taking that decimal out and losing 8 pounds instead of .8.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: sisto on May 31, 2018, 10:07:29 AM
I had some early loss, but I ended the challenge at exactly my starting weight. I'm in for trying for 5lbs again in June. On a positive note, I lost 2% body fat so I'll count that as a win even though the scale stayed the same weight wise.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: neophyte on May 31, 2018, 10:38:04 AM
I've been all over the place this month but basically averaging out to nothing. Here's my graph for the month so far. Who knows where it will wind up? I'm still counting today so I'll report back tomorrow with the final number.

I'm not too hopeful for next month. I'm not going to track much or at all the first two weeks. I'm just hoping not to gain although there's a lot of eating and drinking on the schedule so far!  I'll probably shot for 2lb down for the rest of the month.

June thread created here. (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/june-~-weight-loss-challenge/)
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Kapiira on May 31, 2018, 12:44:39 PM
The scale I was using at work has a metal frame. I just realized that depending on how you stand, the frame may support some of your weight.  So I don't actually know what my weight is relative to last month.  However, my clothes tell me that I haven't lost anything.  I was pretty good with eating, but challenges included some foot problems that I let discourage me from exercising.  I'll purchase my own scale and try to do better next month!
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: neophyte on June 01, 2018, 05:48:48 AM
I weighed in at 166 this morning making a loss of 2.5 lbs for May.
My 6 month graph is definitely starting to shallow out.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: RetiredAt63 on June 01, 2018, 05:50:27 AM
I managed 4.6.  April was easy, May was hard.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Gilly on June 01, 2018, 06:02:39 AM
3.2 Lbs.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: hoping2retire35 on June 01, 2018, 06:20:46 AM
Had a stressful day yesterday with work negotiations and didn't eat much.

Lost another 2 lbs!

I know that won't last though, but still fun to see the number.
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: Hirondelle on June 04, 2018, 03:06:53 AM
Stepped on the scale last weekend and the pound that seemed to be off before was back on (but could just be a scale/location difference).

Not that I'd done anywhere near a good job this month anyway, so I'll be aiming for another 3 lbs over in the June thread :)
Title: Re: May ~ Weight Loss Challenge
Post by: facepalm on June 05, 2018, 05:55:53 PM
I lost 10 pounds in May.

June, here I come.